Artikel 8

1. Temporary exemptions, total or partial (including the suspension or reduction of the rest period), from the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 may be granted in each country by the competent authority or in any other manner approved by the competent authority which is consistent with national law and practice—
(a) in case of accident, actual or threatened, force majeure or urgent work to premises and equipment, but only so far as may be necessary to avoid serious interference with the ordinary working of the establishment;
(b) in the event of abnormal pressure of work due to special circumstances, in so far as the employer cannot ordinarily be expected to resort to other measures;
(c) in order to prevent the loss of perishable goods.
2. In determining the circumstances in which temporary exemptions may be granted in accordance with the provisions of subparagraphs (b) and (c) of the preceding paragraph, the representative employers' and workers' organisations concerned, where such exist, shall be consulted.
3. Where temporary exemptions are made in accordance with the provisions of this Article, the persons concerned shall be granted compensatory rest of a total duration at least equivalent to the period provided for under Article 6.